{5/5} “Bond, this may be too much for a blunt instrument to understand, but arrogance and self-awareness seldom go hand in hand.”

Casino Royale, released in 2006

James Bond has just been promoted to double-oh status. His mission is to uncover how a terrorist network is being funded. When Bond is caught on camera killing a man, a bomber, at an embassy M sends him away. But Bond is still on the case, using the man’s cell phone to follow a trail to the Bahamas.

The James Bond series was rebooted with this movie. Coincidentally, after this everybody and their brother’s series was rebooted. Bond is now a young agent.

M is still played by Juli Dench. Of course, when Judi Dench is willing to be in your movie you put her in your movie.

Daniel Craig plays Bond perfectly for the 21st century where you have Jason Bourne running around. He’s more realistic — he’s gritty and he makes mistakes.

The foot chase/fight scene at the beginning is thrilling. There’s some terrific banter between Bond and Vesper Lynd.

You’ll be on the edge of your seat. This is one of the 2 best James Bond movies at this point, when you’ve seen them all a couple of times.

Stars Eva Green, Mads Mikkelsen, and Jeffrey Wright. Directed by Martin Campbell (GoldenEye). The superb music is by David Arnold — and Chris Cornell’s title song is top notch.